membrane sweep

Sorry I don't have any advice about if there are stretches you can do. I had one and it wasn't painful but it was uncomfortable. The midwife put two fingers up (I think) and I could tell she was in up to her knuckles to reach, I suppose this may change depending on where your cervix is sitting. I imagine it's worse if you are tense about it, for me I stared at the ceiling and just did meditative breathing and really focussed on relaxing my body to make it as comfortable as I could. Like I said, still wasn't enjoyable but didn't hurt. Each person and body is different though.

I had a sweep last week and on Saturday. It was a little uncomfortable but I didn't find it painful. I closed my eyes, concentrated on my breathing techniques and it got me through. I have also been doing stretches on my birthing ball. Hope all goes okay x

I had a sweep and was also scared but it was fine. Only used 2 fingers. Felt weird but not painful. When she said she was told I was like oh ok because I thought she was still looking for my cervix.

It’s 2 fingers that separates the membrane walls. It only hurts if your cervix isn’t ripe yet if you’ve not dilated at all. It’s uncomfortable that it is for sure. But it only lasts less than 5 mins. Focus on breathing and tell yourself this may help bring baby. I have one the next day I’m excited about it because IM OVER THIS pregnancy 🤣

I think it depends on how tense you are and what stage your cervix is at. If you’ve practiced any breathing techniques for getting you relaxed through contractions I’d suggest that you use those to stay calm and if you’re relaxing it should hopefully hurt less, depending on how aggressive your midwife is of course 🤣

I had the membrane sweep it wasn't painful for me it just felt a little uncomfortable as the lady had small fingers so I had to make 2 fist and sit on them to help her get up there but she used 2 fingers on me and sweeped around in a circular motion

I had it with my two previous, i found them very uncomfortable but its over very quick. Just practice your breathing. I've got one tomorrow at 39 weeks. I was quite reluctant to have one, but baby is very big and hoping for a homebirth so would love it to start things off. Suppose it depends on your cervix etc if it works. Xx

I’ve had two in the last week. It didn’t hurt at all it’s just abit uncomfortable like having a speculum up there. If you just relax your pelvic floor and breathe just let them get in there it will be more beneficial. I honestly would have like 4 or 5 more sweeps if it brings me closer to labour. You’ll get some cramping afterwards especially if you are a little bit dilated anyway.

Just an update i had my sweep this morn! Turns out i am 3cm, cervix soft and stretchy so all very positive. Was uncomfortable but not painful literally over in 2 mins.

@Jodie thank you so much for the update! that doesn’t sound so bad, i was wondering do they lubricate their fingers before insertion? i imagine it being a bit more uncomfortable or painful going in dry 🤣 fingers crossed it helps get labour going, if it does could you also update? i know it’s rare for the first sweep to work but im praying to the baby gods it works for me 😭

They offered me one today but I’ve been having painful tightenings on and off all day and just having the ultrasound pressed into my stomach was painful so I didn’t really fancy letting them rummage around inside me. I’ve said I’ll try one on Friday (when I turn 42 weeks) if nothing has happened before that.

@Gaby you’re nearly 42 weeks?! you poor thing 😭😭 you must be going crazy by now! i couldn’t imagine being that much overdue! X

@Sinead stubbornly refusing to cave until I absolutely have to. Unfortunately baby is doing the same 😭 Hope yours tomorrow gets things moving for you 🤞🏻🍀❤️

had my sweep this morning at 11am, was not as bad as i thought it would be! she only put her finger in a short way before she was like “his head is right there!” and was saying how low down he is, she said my cervix is 1cm, she’s managed to pull it round more to the front, and she said she’s been able to do a really nice sweep. she said if nothing happens by saturday then i can send her a text and meet her at the hospital for another sweep, but she says she’d be very shocked if i haven’t had him by saturday because he is super engaged, very low down and it’s all very positive so fingers crossed he isn’t stubborn 🤣 xx

Sounds very positive! Keeping everything crossed for you🤞🏻🍀

@Sinead with my first l had one sweep on a Thursday he was born Friday

@Sinead whey this is good! Very good.

@Sinead sounds very positive. Please keep us updated! I’m nearly due and not wanting to have a sweep as I’m a nervous wreck x

@Sara update so far is i’ve been waking in the night with what appear to be contractions, they’re still quite irregular but a little painful nonetheless, so i’m just waiting (hoping) they become more frequent and regular, im worried they could stop happening and this could just be false labour so we will see! Xxx

@Sinead aww hopefully things pick up soon

@Wayne i hope so! i have been to hospital who’ve said im nearly 2cm but not quite, been sent home, contractions at one point were every 2-5 minutes but have now become less frequent 😭 im hoping things pick up soon but ive no idea what to do to help things along xx

@Sinead go for a walk! Try not to think about it just distract yourself but do things that are relaxing. Had sweep I’m 2cm cervix is thinning so I’m going to go for a long walk, curb walking and do whatever relaxes me

Ive had my 2nd sweep today, still 3cm but cervix is alot thinner and i could tell when she was doing it.it didn't hurt. I've not lost any plug or so i thought but MW said theres no plug there at all. I had irregular tightenings all night last night but theyve eased today. The pressure is insane, I've been housebound today with my 2 yr old as not daren't go far. Xxx

How we holding up ladies ?

@Wayne just seen your comment but i’ve just made a new post on my situation if you wanna take a read, it’s rough out here 😅 xx

@Wayne stillnthe same 2nd sweep yday 3cm still and lost my plug. Even though MW said it wasn't there. All my contractions have stopped now though 🤣🤣🤣

@Jodie how depleting 😢….. it regenerates probably why you lost some today.

@Wayne i know, baby just mot ready yet Theres no rush, just worried about his size. But i need to be patient and enjoy the rest, lol. How are you? X

@Jodie totally agree with you haha. Just have to be patient l suppose 🤞🏾… I’m ok I have a cold and very irregular contractions